This Saturday Flemington racecourse will come alive as racing purists and punters alike gather at the esteemed track to celebrate the opening of the 2010 Melbourne Cup Carnival with Victoria Derby Day, the meeting headlined by the $1.5 million Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m).

The 2010 AAMI Victoria Derby has attracted a capacity final field of 16 three-year-olds plus four emergencies, with the early betting markets totally dominated by two runners.

Currently AAMI Vase winner Rekindled Interest is the favourite paying $3.50 at Luxbet, but Peter Snowden’s consistent colt Retrieve is drawn ideally in barrier two and is challenging at $3.70.

With record rainfall scheduled in Victoria before and on Saturday, known wet trackers are sure to shorten in the markets, which included Retrieve who won the Norman Robinson Stakes on a Heavy track at Caulfield last start.

The only other Victoria Derby contender at single figure odds is improving Savabeel gelding Digital Fortress ($8.50) drawn wide in barrier 14 but another mudlark that will thrive in the conditions.

With so many classy three-year-olds capable of an upset on Saturday, especially with a rain-affected track looking likely, punters can find great value in the Victoria Derby field.

Longer-priced entries with claims include Almindoro ($10) who finished second to Retrieve in the Norman Robinson, Kiwi-bred colt Praecido ($17) and Duelled gelding Shootoff ($34).

The 2010 Victoria Derby is scheduled as Race 6 at Flemington on Saturday, due to jump at 2:55pm (AEDST), and is accompanied by eight other Group race features.